Designed by the original owner, the cabin was imagined as a retreat for her and her siblings' young families.
In San Francisco, Butler Armsden Architects completed an extensive renovation of a 1906 Victorian townhome which centered on maximizing daylight.
Rebuilding the rear addition gave Aleksandra a chance to play with its form, and make it contrast with the historic body of the Edwardian. Large glass doors lighten up the kitchen and connect it to the deck and backyard.
The single-volume home has been designed to appear to float over the lot on its deck. Ryan upgraded the existing foundation to support its passive design. "Originally, I wanted to make the whole house powered with wood pellets," he says. "But I decided against shoveling pellets in the snow. I'll get weird in a little bit less of a cold climate."
Custom storage in the office makes for an inviting workspace.
The custom slatted wood railings is fitted with discreet flip-down hooks to hang coats. Stairs lead down to a guest space and an additional unit for a future caretaker. An elevator, not visible, also connects the two levels. The Overlap pendant is by Michael Anastassiades for Flos.
On the main floor of the second-story apartment, rustic oak flooring is paired with fir cladding, which unfolds into the staircase and walls of the “wood box” that contains the mezzanine level.
A series of “stacked boxes” laid the foundation for this Sea Ranch–inspired home on a narrow site set on two flood zones and filled with protected redwoods.
A centuries-old blue oak stands near the intersection of the two wings of the house, which is clad in Alaskan yellow cedar. “We decided to split the house into two volumes to let in light and allow us to be more nimble with where we placed the structures.” Jess Field, the architect.
“At first we thought the fireplace was going to be too big… but now I think it’s just fabulous,” says Donna.
Sugarhouse Design & Architecture lightened up the entry hall, thanks to interior fluted glass panels, white oak floors with a contrasting walnut inlay, and custom oak closets that reach to the ceiling (after removing the fussy tray feature there). The bench is custom-designed by Sugarhouse and fabricated by Elwood Design Co in Orange, CA, and the ceiling light is by Modern Forms.
Tub shower with brass accents and rain shower at The Wilde Retreat
Sunken living room
Two-story garage and storage
Butterfly roof canopy upon entry
Emily designed the floating vanity and had it painted in Benjamin Moore 'Baked Terra Cotta,' with a Duravit sink top.
The couple raised the ceiling height in the main room of the bathroom, then lowered it in the shower to create a "jewel box
Above the bunk room, a built-in ladder leads to an additional loft-style sleeping area.
The main bathroom walls and shower are clad in tile, and illuminated with a clerestory window.
A quiet garden moment on the patio. This time, the tree is real.
A crackling fireplace—faux, as well—is the centerpice of the living room,
Addition at the rear
Cove room overhang and wrap around deck at dusk
254 more saves